Emergencies: When You Should Call 911

Emergency Medical Conditions

The following are among reasons to call 911 rather than attempt to transport someone to a hospital or wait to visit a clinic or doctor’s office:

Unresponsive/unconscious	Drowning or choking
Difficulty breathing, especially with faintness, nausea or chest pain	Allergic reaction with increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, swollen tongue
Heart attack signs including chest pain, squeezing or pressure; pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck or jaw; shortness of breath; and cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness	Stroke signs including blurry, double or loss of vision; intense sudden headache; nausea or vomiting; numbness, weakness or dizziness; confusion or trouble talking
Extremely hot (hyperthermia ) or cold (hypothermia)	Sudden, intense severe pain
Heavy bleeding from the mouth, nose, vagina or rectum and bleeding from any wound that won’t stop with direct pressure	High fever with lethargy, seizure or complaint of a stiff neck (in children)
Broken bones visible through an open wound	Threat to commit suicide or hurt someone else
Severe burns and smoke inhalation	Poisoning or drug overdose
Pneumonia symptoms such as rapid, labored breathing; wheezing or whistling sound while breathing; gurgling sounds in the throat; shortness of breath; high fever, confusion or lethargy; bluish lips or fingernails	Chemical exposure symptoms such as headache; blurred vision; burning eyes, nose, throat, chest or skin; sweating; stomach ache and diarrhea; feeling anxious; difficulty breathing; feeling faint or weak (Note: Symptoms may appear immediately or be delayed.)

When Not to Call 911

It is not recommended to call 911 for sprains and strains that can be relieved with remedies such as elevation, ice, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or soft bandages. Minor burns and shallow cuts can also be self-treated with first aid. Health officials say neck pain, teeth disorders, hives, pinched nerves, sinus infections, acute upper-respiratory ailments and eye discomfort are among common reasons for unnecessary ER visits that are better handled in other settings. In a workplace setting, these can often be handled in on-site clinics.

Most cases involving fever, flu and cold symptoms, or food poisoning, while uncomfortable, can be managed at home with guidance from a nurse or doctor.

While it may appear obvious, other reasons not to call 911 include asking for driving directions or a traffic or weather report; because you are feeling lonely; you are trying to pay a traffic ticket; your pet has a medical emergency; or as a prank.

While on a 911 Call

As a caller, it’s important to remain calm. You will be expected to stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Expect to be asked:

• What is your name?
• What is your phone number?
• What happened?
• Where are you?

The phone you call from may be used to pinpoint your location. It’s important to be as specific as possible about where you are, especially when calling from a mobile phone instead of a land line. While on the call, the dispatcher may provide care instructions until help arrives.

In general, it’s not safe to move an accident victim with a head, neck or back injury. While waiting for emergency assistance, the American Red Cross recommends keeping the victim calm, quiet and still by putting your hands on either side of his or her head to immobilize it. If the person is in an unsafe place, such as on a busy roadway, he or she may be carefully moved a short distance.

If you mistakenly call 911, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher the call was made in error. Hanging up often triggers a welfare check by law enforcement officers.

What to Do When Help Arrives

In the workplace, WorkCare paramedics say emergency response personnel will evaluate the person’s condition and give advice about the need for transport to a hospital. A supervisor or other employer representative typically will be present and informed when there is a decision to transport.

In non-emergent situations, emergency response personnel may direct an injured or ill employee to the onsite clinic, if there is one, or advise them to be taken by an authorized adult in a privately owned vehicle to a medical facility for follow-up.

If an injured or ill employee is advised to be transported to a hospital by ambulance and waives that option, he or she will be asked to sign a document verifying that they are acting “against medical advice” (AMA).

“If it is an emergent situation and they don’t want to go with us, this is okay as long as they are alert/oriented, are capable of understanding their decision and sign our AMA,” said Katrina Davis, a paramedic and WorkCare clinic manager at a mining operation in California.

In all cases, it’s important to follow established guidelines and company protocols when responding to medical emergencies.

Related Resources

1. American College of Emergency Physicians
2. American Red Cross first aid courses
3. International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
4. National Emergency Number Association
5. 911.gov frequently asked questions

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